Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
In 1969, I remember when a gallon of gasoline rose in price from forty-five cents to fifty cents per gallon. A lot of people were fearful that they were not going to make it financially. An eleven percent increase in cost at that time was unheard of. The feeling that the sky was falling – because so many people were saying that very thing, made the times seem uncertain concerning the future and everyone’s well-being. Of course, looking back, the sky did not fall, and a lot of worrying and unnecessary suffering of the mind, that took place – was for naught. Matt. 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
The above scripture admonishes us not to worry or stress when times get hard or are perceived to be overwhelming. This is still a good lesson to take to heart. Lately, many people are expressing their fears concerning the future, and they are making general statements like, “I remember when things use to be much better than today. “Maybe it is the age group that I am in, but I hear that statement voiced a lot. The words “I remember when” seem to come out as an expression of surrendering to life’s difficult changes which give rise to a person’s feeling of helplessness to do anything about their circumstances. So, they just sigh and say, “I remember when life seemed to be much easier to handle.” Eccl. 7:10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. I’m not sure if life was ever easier or if we are choosing a false memory that we find comfort in because we have survived life to this point. But now, because we do not know the future or the challenges that are coming, we are faced with a fresh new set of anxieties. Therefore, we stew in the thoughts of “I remember when.”
What I do know, is that wringing our hands and fretting about all the problems coming upon the earth is not good for our inner peace or our ability to be positive toward our future. Thinking constantly and fearing what we cannot control will affect a person’s emotional well-being and the health of their body. The stress will eventually cause sickness and disease throughout their whole body. Job 21:6 When I remember, I am dismayed, and shuddering seizes my flesh. This is not a healthy way to live or plan life’s goals. Therefore, we have to commit our ways to the Lord so that we get real answers for planning our life in the peace and health God has for us. Prov. 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
God’s salvation is for our whole lives, which includes our spirit, soul, and body. The Lord is always ready to provide what we need when we ask of Him. But, there seems to be an indication from God’s word that worry and pining for the past interferes with the flow of the blessings coming our way. Worry and stress will weaken our faith in believing that God is for us. Faith is courageous and it humbly steps forward to receive from God what we need to live victoriously. Stress and worry are born in fear, and God has not given us the spirit of fear. Authentic faith believes the love that God has for us, and in the light of God’s love, there is no darkness or fear. 1John 4:18a There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
Our Heavenly Father is not against us remembering events from the old days that bring fond recollections and expressions of gratefulness toward God. The Lord wants us to remember who He is. He is the mighty creator who is here for us and He wants us to remember the wonderful miracles He has given us throughout our life. Habitually remembering the Lord throughout our time on earth will help us remember Him when the days are hard. Eccl. 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Isn’t that what people are saying when they say, “I remember when life was better than it is now.” They are saying, “I have no pleasure in the days God has given me.” No Saints. We need to be grateful for the life God gave us and to use our lives to bring gracious pleasantness to a hopeless world full of woes. Lam. 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
We can sit back and bemoan the fact that things are not as they were. But I would rather remember that when my life was a mess, God, pulled me out of that ugly nightmare to live for Him today. I remember when I was an alcoholic and God delivered me from that addiction so that I could face the challenges of today in His strength. I could sit around remembering a lot of things that are probably worth forgetting, but I would rather remember the blessings and opportunities I have had throughout my life since Jesus became my Lord and Saviour. I remember when I was lost, but now I am found in Christ. That is something to remember. Amen!
I could not love this more. Amen to every word. Good stuff, my friend! (Jami)